bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Wave energy park power quality impact and collection grid economic assessment
Authors: Trilla Lluís , Thiringer Torbjörn , Sahlin Sara , Andersson Torbjörn
Published: December 2014

In this study, a wave park is analysed from the economic and electrical points of view. The system under consideration goes from each wave energy unit up to the point of common connection with the main grid. Time series are obtained from simulation models for a scaled prototype and include data for mild, medium and strong sea states. The simulation models have been validated against the small scale tank testing of a prime mover, a wave rider buoy and a scaled testing of the power take‐off in a land‐based test rig. The design of the proposed wave park layout aims to minimise its cost and power losses. A life‐cycle analysis of the park is performed showing that around 30 €/MWh will be the share of the electricity price required to install and operate the wave park grid. The power quality of the wave park and its compliance with regulations are also analysed. Special emphasis is put in the study of flicker emissions concluding that the proposed wave park is within the grid code limitations and even a reduction of a 66% in the flicker coefficients is reported when considering the aggregation of several units in one model.
Converter rating optimisation for a brushless doubly fed induction generator
Authors: Oraee Ashknaz , Abdi Ehsan , McMahon R.A.
Published: December 2014

This article studies the converter rating requirement of a Brushless doubly‐fed induction generator (DFIG) for wind turbine applications. Practical constraints such as the generator torque‐speed requirement, reactive power management and grid low‐voltage ride‐through (LVRT) are considered. Experimental data have been used to obtain a realistic system model of a Brushless DFIG in a wind turbine. The study shows that there is a minimum converter rating, dependant on operating point, but this may not be achievable without machine derating. The use of a capacitor bank enables the converter ratings to be reduced without compromising the machine's performance. The effect of the machine's leakage inductance on the interplay of LVRT, achievable system power factor, converter rating and losses is investigated.
Bistability and hysteresis in the emergence of pulses in microstrip Gunn-diode circuits
Authors: Yurchenko V. B. , Yurchenko L. V.
Published: December 2014

We develop time-domain simulations of microwave and THz radiation sources built as arrays of active devices when the radiation wavelength is small as compared to spacing between electronic components. We pursue an approach when the system is represented by equations with time-delay feedback that could generate chaos and other forms of complicated dynamics. The approach simplifies simulations of ultra-wideband effects and exceeds capabilities of frequency-domain methods. As a model case, we simulated a microstrip circuit with Gunn diode and a remote resonator emitting the radiation towards infinity. We observed the emergence of either the continuous waves or the trains of high-frequency pulses depending on the bias conditions. We found bistability and hysteresis in the onset of different oscillation modes that depends on the way of driving the bias voltage into the domain of instability of the given system. The results would allow one to improve the design of THz radiation sources with time-delay coupling between components.
Internal Colonisation and Indigenous Resource Sovereignty: Wind Power Developments on Traditional Saami Lands
Authors: Lawrence Rebecca
Published: December 2014

Using the concept of internal colonisation, this paper aims to demonstrate how current disputes over wind power developments in traditional Saami mountain areas have reignited contestations between Saami people and the Swedish state. It traces the historical continuities in these contestations. It also analyses shifts in the discourses legitimising the state's nonrecognition of Saami rights to land. The paper explores three discursive frameworks that reflect these continuities and shifts. First, it traces contestations over the ownership of ‘Crown’ (ie, state) land and the paternalistic practices of the state. Second, it explores how a discourse of renewable energy is currently being mobilised to argue that Saami interests must necessarily give way to broader environmental concerns. Third, it analyses how long-standing colonial rationalities are rearticulated through market relations, as the state seeks to construct a pseudo planning market for wind power developments, which necessarily excludes Saami interests. These debates, and the ongoing resistances by Saami people to industrial encroachments on their traditional territories, highlight the fundamentally unresolved relations between the Saami and the non-Indigenous majority society in Sweden.
Movement and Spatial Distribution of Common Carp in a South Dakota Glacial Lake System: Implications for Management and Removal
Authors: Hennen Matthew J. , Brown Michael L.
Published: December 2014

Common Carp Cyprinus carpio form dense populations that often negatively impact water quality and clarity, native fish communities, and aquatic plant growth in aquatic ecosystems outside their native range, including the U.S. Midwest. In an attempt to guide future management and control activities, we used acoustic telemetry to quantify monthly spatial distributions and movement patterns for adult Common Carp in Brant and Round lakes, South Dakota, during open-water periods for 2 years. During a span of 12 months of manual tracking in the spring, summer, and fall seasons, we obtained 530 locations from 19 acoustically tagged fish. In general, fish displayed a clear tendency to aggregate in shallow depths close to shore during the spawning period in May and June and also postspawn during August. In contrast, fish dispersed offshore into deeper water during July. Mean hourly movement rates during 24-h tracking sessions ranged from 100.3 m/h to 165.9 m/h. Although nonsignificant, the highest movement rates occurred in June and October and during the dusk period. Our results, along with similar studies in the region, indicate predictable and repeatable seasonal aggregations and distributions of Common Carp that will likely aid in the development of sampling protocols and control programs for temperate lakes. These results can be used to develop integrated control techniques that would target adult fish during periods of seasonal aggregations and dispersions, which is critical for effective population control.

Received March 26, 2014; accepted August 23, 2014
The perceptions of high‐level officers in Cyprus about intercultural education and their underlying assumptions
Authors: Hajisoteriou Christina , Neophytou Lefkios , Angelides Panayiotis
Published: December 2014

Since 2004, the Ministry of Education and Culture in Cyprus has launched an educational reform. The Ministry highlighted Cyprus’ participation in the European context and, by extension, the turning‐into‐multicultural character of the Cypriot society as the most important reasons, which necessitated such a reform. This paper seeks to examine the perceived curriculum of intercultural education in Cyprus. To this end, we explore how the conceptual and theoretical framework of the ‘new’ national curriculum influences key stakeholders’ understandings of intercultural education. Do they share similar understandings? Do they use the same terminologies? How consistent is their knowledge with the contemporary literature on Intercultural Education? All these questions will help us establish an understanding about the next level of curriculum development – the implementation level – and illuminate their possible tacit assumptions concerning the role of the teachers in carrying out of the declared policy on Intercultural Education. Most importantly, we will discuss the tacit assumptions that come to light through their expressed perceptions, addressing not only to the practises but also the essence of the term intercultural education and its originating interest in terms of human agency.

Within this context we will deliberate how a broadly accepted policy, namely intercultural educational policy, becomes a vehicle that can be used to control, interact with or empower people and in particular those delegated with its implementation‐in our case the teachers.
Tenofovir during pregnancy in rats: a novel pathway for programmed hypertension in the offspring
Authors: Gois Pedro Henrique França , Canale Daniele , Luchi Weverton Machado , Volpini Rildo Aparecido , Veras Mariana Matera , Costa Natália de Souza Xavier , Shimizu Maria Heloisa Massola , Seguro Antonio Carlos
Published: December 2014

Objectives

To evaluate the occurrence of systemic and renal abnormalities in the offspring of Wistar rats exposed to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (DF) during pregnancy.

Methods

Female Wistar rats received a standard diet, with or without addition of tenofovir DF (100 mg/kg diet), 1 week before mating and during pregnancy. Offspring from the tenofovir DF group were placed with an untreated foster mother during breastfeeding and compared with offspring from rats maintained on a standard diet during mating and pregnancy (control). Control and tenofovir DF were followed up at 3 and 6 months of age. Monthly body weight and systolic blood pressure (SBP), glomerular counts, renal function, biochemical parameters, angiotensin II, renal renin angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS) and renal sodium transporters were analysed.

Results

Tenofovir DF offspring showed lower birth weight compared with the control group. After the third month, growth among the tenofovir DF group experienced a rapid catch-up. SBP increased progressively after the second month of age in the tenofovir DF group. Nephron number did not differ between the groups; however, the tenofovir DF group showed glomerular structural changes. Plasma aldosterone was higher in the tenofovir DF group, associated with a significant increase in renal expression of RAAS. The tenofovir DF rats showed up-regulation of renal sodium transporters and consequently lower urinary sodium excretion.

Conclusions

This is the first demonstration using an experimental model that maternal exposure to tenofovir DF during gestation results in overactivation of RAAS, up-regulation of renal sodium transporters and hypertension in the offspring.
In vitro antifungal susceptibility of Trichophyton violaceum isolated from tinea capitis patients
Authors: Deng S. , de Hoog G. S. , Verweij P. E. , Zoll J. , Ilkit M. , Morsali F. , Abliz P. , Wang X. , Zhan P. , Yang L. , Hasimu H. , Liao W. , Pan W. , Seyedmousavi S.
Published: December 2014

Objectives

Trichophyton violaceum is an anthropophilic dermatophyte that is endemic to parts of Africa and Asia and is sporadic in Europe. T. violaceum mainly causes tinea capitis in both children and adolescents. Although the infections caused by T. violaceum are of considerable medical importance, its antifungal susceptibility profile remains poorly examined.

Methods

In this study, we tested the in vitro antifungal susceptibility of a set of clinical T. violaceum isolates obtained from tinea capitis patients, using the CLSI broth microdilution method. We tested eight antifungals and used isolates collected from Western China (21), Eastern China (12), the Middle East (1), Europe (20), South Africa (7) and Canada (1).

Results

The geometric means of the MICs of the antifungals for all isolates were as follows (in increasing order): posaconazole, 0.021 mg/L; terbinafine, 0.023 mg/L; voriconazole, 0.062 mg/L; amphotericin B, 0.20 mg/L; itraconazole, 0.34 mg/L; caspofungin, 0.56 mg/L; fluconazole, 4.23 mg/L; and flucytosine, 8.46 mg/L. No statistically significant differences in the susceptibility profiles of T. violaceum were detected within the geographical regions tested.

Conclusions

Posaconazole, terbinafine and voriconazole were shown to be the most potent antifungal agents against T. violaceum isolates obtained from tinea capitis patients worldwide. These results might help clinicians in developing appropriate therapies that have a high probability of successfully treating tinea capitis due to T. violaceum.
Application of the time-delay integration method: Survey observations of geosynchronous orbit objects and short-term variability observations
Authors: Okumura Shin-ichiro , Yanagisawa Toshifumi , Nakaya Hidehiko , Tanaka Wataru , Nishiyama Kota , Takahashi Noritsugu , Yoshikawa Makoto
Published: December 2014

“Time-Delay Integration (TDI)” readout technique has been adopted to a mosaic CCD camera equipped with four fully-depleted CCDs. Optical distortion and image deformation due to the TDI operation are discussed. The manner and advantages of the TDI method in survey observations of geosynchronous orbit objects are summarized. We propose a new TDI application method of getting short-term light curves of artificial space objects. This method of detecting a short-term variability can be applied for a variety of objects, ranging from satellites to stars. It can also be used for the light-curve observations of transient objects which might show short-term variability and of which the precise time information is needed.
Unveiling the origin of fast radio bursts by optical follow-up observations
Authors: Niino Yuu , Totani Tomonori , Okumura Jun E.
Published: December 2014

We discuss how we can detect and identify counterparts of fast radio bursts (FRBs) in future optical follow-up observations of FRBs if real-time alerts for FRBs become available. We consider kilonovae as candidates for FRB optical counterparts, as expected in the case that FRBs originate from mergers of double neutron star binaries. Although theoretical predictions on luminosities of kilonovae are still highly uncertain, recent models suggest that kilonovae can be detected at redshifts up to z ∼ 0.3 within the range of the uncertainties. We expect ∼ 1–5 unrelated supernovae (SNe) down to a similar variability magnitude in a five-day interval within the typical error radius of an FRB. We show, however, that a kilonova can be distinguished from these SNe by its rapid decay and/or color evolution, making it possible to verify the existence of a kilonova associated with an FRB. We also discuss the case that SNe Ia are FRB optical counterparts, as might be the case if FRBs originate from double white dwarf binaries. Verification of this scenario is also possible, since the chance probability of finding a SNe Ia having a consistent explosion time with that of an FRB within the FRB error region is small (typically ≲ 0.01).
Multiple stressors and multifunctionality: limited effects on an illuminated benthic system
Authors: Alsterberg Christian , Sundbäck Kristina , Gamfeldt Lars
Published: December 2014

The bulk of experiments that study stressor effects on ecosystem functioning consider only individual functions one at a time, and such narrow focus may well bias our understanding of the overall impact on ecosystem functioning. We used data from six published experiments in which marine illuminated sediment systems were exposed to nutrient enrichment, toxicants, sedimentation and warming, either alone or in combination. Measured functions were primary production, community respiration, inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus fluxes, and autotrophic biomass. We calculated two indices of multifunctionality that simultaneously considered all six functions: (i) a weighted average level of the functions and (ii) the number of functions that simultaneously exceed a critical threshold level. Stressors affected individual functions both positively and negatively, but multifunctionality was generally unaffected by both single and joint stressors. The filtering capacity of coastal illuminated sediment systems thus appears resilient to exposure to moderate levels of multiple stressors, most probably due to the robustness of the benthic microalgal community. We recommend using a multifunctionality approach in future studies on cumulative stressor effects on ecosystem functioning, particularly when considering functions related to ecosystem services.
Magnetic field effects as a result of the radical pair mechanism are unlikely in redox enzymes
Authors: Messiha Hanan L. , Wongnate Thanyaporn , Chaiyen Pimchai , Jones Alex R. , Scrutton Nigel S.
Published: December 2014

Environmental exposure to electromagnetic fields is potentially carcinogenic. The radical pair mechanism is considered the most feasible mechanism of interaction between weak magnetic fields encountered in our environment and biochemical systems. Radicals are abundant in biology, both as free radicals and reaction intermediates in enzyme mechanisms. The catalytic cycles of some flavin-dependent enzymes are either known or potentially involve radical pairs. Here, we have investigated the magnetic field sensitivity of a number of flavoenzymes with important cellular roles. We also investigated the magnetic field sensitivity of a model system involving stepwise reduction of a flavin analogue by a nicotinamide analogue—a reaction known to proceed via a radical pair. Under the experimental conditions used, magnetic field sensitivity was not observed in the reaction kinetics from stopped-flow measurements in any of the systems studied. Although widely implicated in radical pair chemistry, we conclude that thermally driven, flavoenzyme-catalysed reactions are unlikely to be influenced by exposure to external magnetic fields.
Henry H. Cheek and transformism: new light on Charles Darwin's Edinburgh background
Authors: Jenkins Bill
Published: December 2014

Evidence for the transformist ideas espoused by Henry H. Cheek (1807–33), a contemporary of Charles Darwin's at the University of Edinburgh, sheds new light on the intellectual environment of Edinburgh in the late 1820s and early 1830s. Cheek was the author of several papers dealing with the transmutation of species influenced by the theories of Étienne Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire (1772–1844), Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (1744–1829) and the Comte de Buffon (1707–88). Some of these were read to student societies, others appeared in the
Edinburgh Journal of Natural and Geographical Science
, which Cheek edited between 1829 and 1831. His writings give us a valuable window onto some of the transformist theories that were circulating among Darwin's fellow medical students in the late 1820s, to which Darwin would have been exposed during his time in Edinburgh, and for which little other concrete evidence survives.
Incorporating pushing in exclusion process models of cell migration
Authors: Yates Christian A , Parker Andrew , Baker Ruth E
Published: December 2014

The macroscale movement behaviour of a wide range of isolated migrating cells has been well characterised experimentally. Recently, attention has turned to understanding the behaviour of cells in crowded environments. In such scenarios it is possible for cells to interact mechanistically, inducing neighbouring cells to move in order to make room for their own movements or progeny. Although the behaviour of interacting cells has been modelled extensively through volume-exclusion processes, no models, thus far, have explicitly accounted for the ability of cells to actively displace each other. In this work we consider both on and off-lattice volume-exclusion position-jump processes in which cells are explicitly allowed to induce movements in their near neighbours in order to create space for themselves (which we refer to as pushing). From these simple individual-level representations we derive continuum partial differential equations for the average occupancy of the domain. We find that, for limited amounts of pushing, the comparison between the averaged individual-level simulations and the population-level model is nearly as good as in the scenario without pushing but, that for larger and more complicated pushing events the assumptions used to derive the population-level model begin to break down. Interestingly, we find that, in the on-lattice case, the diffusion coefficient of the population-level model is increased by pushing, whereas, for the particular off-lattice model that we investigate, the diffusion coefficient is reduced. We conclude therefore, that it is important to consider carefully the appropriate individual-level model to use when representing complex cell-cell interactions such as pushing.
BEL1-LIKE HOMEODOMAIN6 and KNOTTED ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA7 Interact and Regulate Secondary Cell Wall Formation via Repression of REVOLUTA
Authors: Liu Yuanyuan , You Shijun , Taylor-Teeples Mallorie , Li Wenhua L. , Schuetz Mathias , Brady Siobhan M. , Douglas Carl J.
Published: December 2014

The TALE homeodomain transcription factor KNOTTED ARABIDOPSIS THALIANA7 (KNAT7) is part of a regulatory network governing the commitment to secondary cell wall biosynthesis of Arabidopsis thaliana, where it contributes to negative regulation of this process. Here, we report that BLH6, a BELL1-LIKE HOMEODOMAIN protein, specifically interacts with KNAT7, and this interaction influences secondary cell wall development. BLH6 is a transcriptional repressor, and BLH6-KNAT7 physical interaction enhances KNAT7 and BLH6 repression activities. The overlapping expression patterns of BLH6 and KNAT7 and phenotypes of blh6, knat7, and blh6 knat7 loss-of-function mutants are consistent with the existence of a BLH6-KNAT7 heterodimer that represses commitment to secondary cell wall biosynthesis in interfascicular fibers. BLH6 and KNAT7 overexpression results in thinner interfascicular fiber secondary cell walls, phenotypes that are dependent on the interacting partner. A major impact of the loss of BLH6 and KNAT7 function is enhanced expression of the homeodomain-leucine zipper transcription factor REVOLUTA/INTERFASCICULAR FIBERLESS1 (REV/IFL1). BLH6 and KNAT7 bind to the REV promoter and repress REV expression, while blh6 and knat7 interfascicular fiber secondary cell wall phenotypes are suppressed in blh6 rev and knat7 rev double mutants, suggesting that BLH6/KNAT7 signaling acts through REV as a direct target.
Adult acclimation to combined temperature and pH stressors significantly enhances reproductive outcomes compared to short‐term exposures
Authors: Suckling Coleen C. , Clark Melody S. , Richard Joelle , Morley Simon A. , Thorne Michael A. S. , Harper Elizabeth M. , Peck Lloyd S.
Published: December 2014

This study examined the effects of long‐term culture under altered conditions on the Antarctic sea urchin, Sterechinus neumayeri.

Sterechinus neumayeri was cultured under the combined environmental stressors of lowered pH (−0·3 and −0·5 pH units) and increased temperature (+2 °C) for 2 years. This time‐scale covered two full reproductive cycles in this species and analyses included studies on both adult metabolism and larval development.

Adults took at least 6–8 months to acclimate to the altered conditions, but beyond this, there was no detectable effect of temperature or pH.

Animals were spawned after 6 and 17 months exposure to altered conditions, with markedly different outcomes. At 6 months, the percentage hatching and larval survival rates were greatest in the animals kept at 0 °C under current pH conditions, whilst those under lowered pH and +2 °C performed significantly less well. After 17 months, performance was not significantly different across treatments, including controls. However, under the altered conditions urchins produced larger eggs compared with control animals.

These data show that under long‐term culture adult S. neumayeri appear to acclimate their metabolic and reproductive physiology to the combined stressors of altered pH and increased temperature, with relatively little measureable effect. They also emphasize the importance of long‐term studies in evaluating effects of altered pH, particularly in slow developing marine species with long gonad maturation times, as the effects of altered conditions cannot be accurately evaluated unless gonads have fully matured under the new conditions.
The Challenge of Implementing Peer‐Led Interventions in a Professionalized Health Service: A Case Study of the National Health Trainers Service in England
Authors: MATHERS JONATHAN , TAYLOR REBECCA , PARRY JAYNE
Published: December 2014

Policy Points:

In 2004, England's National Health Service introduced health trainer services to help individuals adopt healthier lifestyles and to redress national health inequalities.

Over time these anticipated community‐focused services became more NHS‐focused, delivering “downstream” lifestyle interventions. At the same time, individuals’ lifestyle choices were abstracted from the wider social determinants of health and the potential to address inequalities was diminished.

While different service models are needed to engage hard‐to‐reach populations, the long‐term sustainability of any new service model depends on its aligning with the established medical system's characteristics.

Context

In 2004, the English Public Health White Paper Choosing Health introduced “health trainers” as new members of the National Health Service (NHS) workforce. Health trainers would offer one‐to‐one peer‐support to anyone who wished to adopt and maintain a healthier lifestyle. Choosing Health implicitly envisaged health trainers working in community settings in order to engage “hard‐to‐reach” individuals and other groups who often have the poorest health but who engage the least with traditional health promotion and other NHS services.

Methods

During longitudinal case studies of 6 local health trainer services, we conducted in‐depth interviews with key stakeholders and analyzed service activity data.

Findings

Rather than an unproblematic and stable implementation of community‐focused services according to the vision in Choosing Health, we observed substantial shifts in the case studies’ configuration and delivery as the services embedded themselves in the local NHS systems. To explain these observations, we drew on a recently proposed conceptual framework to examine and understand the adoption and diffusion of innovations in health care systems.

Conclusions

The health trainer services have become more “medicalized” over time, and in doing so, the original theory underpinning the program has been threatened. The paradox is that policymakers and practitioners recognize the need to have a different service model for traditional NHS services if they want hard‐to‐reach populations to engage in preventive actions as a first step to redress health inequalities. The long‐term sustainability of any new service model, however, depends on its aligning with the established medical system's (ie, the NHS's) characteristics.
DOES WHAT POLICE DO AT HOT SPOTS MATTER? THE PHILADELPHIA POLICING TACTICS EXPERIMENT*
Authors: GROFF ELIZABETH R. , RATCLIFFE JERRY H. , HABERMAN CORY P. , SORG EVAN T. , JOYCE NOLA M. , TAYLOR RALPH B.
Published: December 2014

Policing tactics that are proactive, focused on small places or groups of people in small places, and tailor specific solutions to problems using careful analysis of local conditions seem to be effective at reducing violent crime. But which tactics are most effective when applied at hot spots remains unknown. This article documents the design and implementation of a randomized controlled field experiment to test three policing tactics applied to small, high‐crime places: 1) foot patrol, 2) problem‐oriented policing, and 3) offender‐focused policing. A total of 81 experimental places were identified from the highest violent crime areas in Philadelphia (27 areas were judged amenable to each policing tactic). Within each group of 27 areas, 20 places were randomly assigned to receive treatment and 7 places acted as controls. Offender‐focused sites experienced a 42 percent reduction in all violent crime and a 50 percent reduction in violent felonies compared with their control places. Problem‐oriented policing and foot patrol did not significantly reduce violent crime or violent felonies. Potential explanations of these findings are discussed in the contexts of dosage, implementation, and hot spot stability over time.
StereoMorph: an R package for the collection of 3D landmarks and curves using a stereo camera set‐up
Authors: Olsen Aaron M. , Westneat Mark W.
Published: December 2014

Quantitative, three‐dimensional measurements of anatomy in biology and paleontology are key to understanding the evolutionary processes underlying morphological, functional and ecological diversification. However, the collection of 3D morphometric data from a large number of samples or in the field is currently limited by methods that are either too costly, too time‐consuming or lack portability.

We present a new R package, StereoMorph, for the rapid and accurate collection of 3D landmarks and curves using two standard digital cameras. StereoMorph provides a complete set of tools for every step in the collection of 3D landmarks and curves using a stereo camera set‐up. This includes image processing and optimization functions for automated camera calibration using a checkerboard pattern, an easy‐to‐use application for digitizing landmarks and curves from photographs, and tools for reconstructing points and curves in 3D. The image processing tools and digitizing application are readily applicable to 2D morphometrics as well, enabling 2D landmarks and curves to be digitized and scaled automatically using a checkerboard pattern.

We include five examples that demonstrate key functionalities of StereoMorph: automated detection of checkerboard corners, camera calibration, testing calibration accuracy, digitizing photographs and 3D curve reconstruction. With a set‐up costing less than $1500, we show that it is possible to achieve a mean reconstruction error of less than 30 microns. Once the cameras are assembled, specimens can be photographed as quickly as with 2D morphometrics while digitizing takes two to three times as long as digitizing a single photograph.

We conclude by presenting an accompanying tutorial which details all of the steps required to collect 3D landmarks and curves using StereoMorph. Additionally, we present a web blog that will provide a platform for updates and user questions and suggestions.
The role of Cochrane reviews in informing international guidelines: a case study of using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation system to develop World Health Organization guidelines for the psychosocially assisted pharmacological treatment of opioid dependence
Authors: Davoli Marina , Amato Laura , Clark Nicolas , Farrell Michael , Hickman Matthew , Hill Suzanne , Magrini Nicola , Poznyak Vladimir , Schünemann Holger J.
Published: December 2014

Background and Aims

The World Health Organization (WHO), and a growing number of other organizations, have adopted the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system in order to both assess the quality of research evidence and develop clinical practice guidelines. In 2009 WHO published a guideline on psychosocially assisted pharmacological treatment of opioid dependence, based on the results of Cochrane Reviews summarized using the GRADE methodology. The main features of this system are an a priori definition of outcomes and their relevance, and distinction between the quality of evidence (also referred to as confidence in the estimate of intervention effect) and the strength of recommendations. We consider how successful this approach has been.

Analysis and Evidence

We discuss the merits and limitations of using Cochrane Reviews and GRADE framework in developing guidelines in the field of drug addiction. In 2009 a panel of multi‐disciplinary international experts identified 15 clinical questions and eight relevant outcomes. Cochrane reviews were available for each clinical question and four outcomes. The panel formulated 15 recommendations. Eight recommendations were classified as strong, two of which were based on high‐quality evidence and three on very low‐quality evidence. For example, the strong recommendation to use methadone in adequate doses in preference to buprenorphine was based on high‐quality evidence, while the strong recommendation not to use the combination of opioid antagonists with heavy sedation in the management of opioid withdrawal was based on low‐quality evidence.

Conclusions

An explicit stepwise process of moving from evaluation of the quality of evidence to the definition of the strength of recommendations is important in providing practical and clear clinical guidance for practitioners and policy‐makers in addiction.
Foetal Doppler abnormality is associated with increased risk of sepsis and necrotising enterocolitis in preterm infants
Authors: Westby Eger SH , Kessler J , Kiserud T , Markestad T , Sommerfelt K
Published: December 2014

Aim

Fetoplacental Doppler abnormalities have been associated with increased neonatal mortality and morbidity. This study evaluated the associations between prenatal Doppler assessments and neonatal mortality and morbidity in premature infants born small for gestational age or after pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

This was a population‐based study of infants born alive at 220–336 weeks of gestation, a birthweight <10th percentile for gestational age and/or maternal pre‐eclampsia. Doppler assessments of the umbilical artery, middle cerebral artery and ductus venosus were evaluated in 127, 125 and 95 cases, respectively. Circulatory compromise was defined as absent or reversed end‐diastolic velocity in the umbilical artery (AREDF), middle cerebral artery pulsatility index <2.5 percentile for gestational age and ductus venosus pulsatility index for veins >97.5 percentile.

Results

AREDF was present in 28% of the infants. This was associated with increased frequencies of neonatal sepsis and necrotising enterocolitis after adjusting for gestational age. Abnormal ductus venosus pulsatility index for veins was associated with increased risk of neonatal sepsis, but only in combination with AREDF. These associations were only present when gestational age was <28 weeks.

Conclusion

AREDF was associated with increased neonatal morbidity in premature infants born small for gestational age or after pre‐eclampsia.
Exploring human resource management roles in corporate social responsibility: the CSR‐HRM co‐creation model
Authors: Jamali Dima R. , El Dirani Ali M. , Harwood Ian A.
Published: December 2014

Formulating and translating corporate social responsibility (CSR) strategy into actual managerial practices and outcome values remain ongoing challenges for many organizations. This paper argues that the human resource management (HRM) function can potentially play an important role in supporting organizations to address this challenge. We argue that HRM could provide an interesting and dynamic support to CSR strategy design as well as implementation and delivery. Drawing on a systematic review of relevant strategic CSR and HRM literatures, this paper highlights the important interfaces between CSR and HRM and develops a conceptual model, the CSR‐HRM co‐creation model, which accounts for the potential HRM roles in CSR and identifies a range of outcome values resulting from a more effective integration of the role of HRM within CSR. The paper concludes with relevant theoretical and managerial recommendations that advance our understanding of the potential interfaces between HRM and CSR and how HRM can support a systematic and progressive CSR agenda.
Accuracy of predicted refraction with multifocal intraocular lenses using two biometry measurement devices and multiple intraocular lens power calculation formulas
Authors: Reitblat Olga , Assia Ehud I , Kleinmann Guy , Levy Adi , Barrett Graham D , Abulafia Adi
Published: December 2014

Background

To evaluate the accuracy of predicted refraction using multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) with power calculation based on two biometric devices and multiple IOL power calculation formulas.

Design

A retrospective study conducted in a private practice ophthalmology clinic.

Participants

Seventy‐three eyes of 48 patients were evaluated.

Methods

Consecutive cases of eyes that had undergone successful cataract surgery with an implantation of a multifocal IOL (SN6AD1, Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Fort Worth, TX, USA) by a single surgeon were enrolled. Patients were meticulously screened for suitability for a multifocal IOL implantation according to our clinic guidelines. Two biometric measurement devices (IOLMaster‐500 [Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Jena, Germany] and Lenstar‐LS900 [Haag‐Streit AG, Koeniz, Switzerland]) were used under strict validation criteria to evaluate the predicted refraction errors for the Holladay 1, SRK/T, Hoffer Q, Haigis, Holladay 2, Barrett Universal II and Olsen formulas.

Main Outcome Measures

Predicted refractive sphere equivalent (RSE) errors.

Results

The measurements obtained from the two biometric devices were highly correlated. The standard deviation of the error in predicted RSE and the median absolute error were similar for the IOLMaster and the Lenstar devices using all formulas, ranging from 0.27 dioptres (D) to 0.31D and from 0.15D to 0.21D, respectively. A high percentage of eyes had an error in predicted RSE within ±0.5D from target refraction, ranging from 86.3% to 93.2%.

Conclusions

High accuracy can be achieved in multifocal IOL power calculations by appropriate patient selection, precise biometry and appropriate IOL calculation formulas.
Voice and meaning: the wisdom of Family Support veterans
Authors: Devaney Carmel , Dolan Pat
Published: December 2014

Although a widely accepted term in child welfare discourses, there remains a vagueness as to what Family Support as a named orientation in children and family services actually entails. This lack of clarity is, at times, used to detract from its usefulness within the policy and practice arena. Using the accumulated wisdom of a select group of accomplished managers, academics and policy makers in social work and social care, this paper retrospectively reviews the evolution of Family Support within the Irish context and distils the core characteristics of Family Support practice and service delivery. An unstructured narrative inducing interview was conducted with 14 veterans of Family Support and child welfare. Participants who are based in the USA, the UK and Ireland each had between 30 and 60 years' experience working in this field. Salient factors were identified by participants as having contributed to the growth of Family Support. Specific and distinct characteristics of Family Support practice and services were also categorized by these veterans, providing voice and meaning to Family Support as a specific approach. This paper addresses the debate on Family Support with its place as an accepted and valued orientation within the child welfare arena acknowledged.
Linking disaster resilience and urban sustainability: a glocal approach for future cities
Authors: Asprone Domenico , Manfredi Gaetano
Published: December 2014

Resilience and sustainability will be two primary objectives of future cities. The violent consequences of extreme natural events and the environmental, social and economic burden of contemporary cities make the concepts of resilience and sustainability extremely relevant. In this paper we analyse the various definitions of resilience and sustainability applied to urban systems and propose a synthesis, based on similarities between the two concepts. According to the proposed approach, catastrophic events and the subsequent transformations occurring in urban systems represent a moment in the city life cycle to be seen in terms of the complex sustainability framework. Hence, resilience is seen as a requirement for urban system sustainability. In addition, resilience should be evaluated not only for single cities, with their physical and social systems, but also on a global scale, taking into account the complex and dynamic relationships connecting contemporary cities.
Dealing with uncertainty: integrating local and scientific knowledge of the climate and weather
Authors: Kniveton Dominic , Visman Emma , Tall Arame , Diop Mariane , Ewbank Richard , Njoroge Ezekiel , Pearson Lucy
Published: December 2014

While climate science has made great progress in the projection of weather and climate information, its uptake by local communities remains largely elusive. This paper describes two innovative approaches that strengthen understanding between the providers and users of weather and climate information and support‐appropriate application: (1) knowledge timelines, which compare different sources and levels of certainty in community and scientific weather and climate information; and (2) participatory downscaling, which supports users to translate national and regional information into a range of outcomes at the local level. Results from piloting these approaches among flood‐prone communities in Senegal and drought‐prone farmers in Kenya highlight the importance of co‐producing ‘user‐useful’ climate information. Recognising that disaster risk management actions draw on a wide range of knowledge sources, climate information that can effectively support community‐based decision‐making needs to be integrated with local knowledge systems and based on an appreciation of the inherent uncertainty of weather and climate information.
Adolescent non‐adherence reveals a genetic cause for diabetes
Authors: Carmody D. , Lindauer K. L. , Naylor R. N.
Published: December 2014

Background

Glucokinase related maturity‐onset diabetes of the young (GCK‐MODY) is a form of monogenic diabetes characterized by mildly elevated fasting blood sugars and HbA1c typically ranging from 38 to 60 mmol/mol (5.6–7.6%). It is frequently unrecognized or misdiagnosed as Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes, resulting in unnecessary pharmacologic therapy.

Case report

Two brothers were initially diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes mellitus. The brothers were maintained on a total daily insulin dose of 0.3–0.5 units/kg/day and had HbA1c values of 40–51 mmol/mol (5.8–6.8%) throughout childhood. After over 10 years of insulin treatment, the younger brother chose to discontinue his insulin therapy without informing his family or his clinician. Following cessation of insulin treatment, he did not experience any change in overall glycaemic control. Subsequent research‐based genetic testing revealed a deleterious mutation in GCK in both brothers (p.Val182Met). The older brother subsequently discontinued insulin therapy and both have remained off all pharmacological therapy with good glycaemic control (HbA1c < 53 mmol/mol, < 7%) and no adverse complications. The family was advised to seek confirmatory genetic testing in the father and other relatives with hyperglycaemia.

Conclusion

The family described above exemplifies the rationale behind considering a genetic cause when evaluating every person with new‐onset hyperglycaemia or those with atypical diabetes. The cost of genetic testing for the most common MODY causing genes may be offset by savings made in therapeutic costs. It is important that all clinicians supervising diabetes care recognize the cardinal features that distinguish GCK–MODY from other forms of diabetes.
Mandibular squamous cell carcinoma in a 5‐year‐old Tennessee Walking Horse
Authors: Loftin P. , Fowlkes N. , McCauley C.
Published: December 2014

Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common neoplasm reported in the horse, but occurs rarely in the oral cavity. Clinical signs may be insidious in onset and mimic other non‐neoplastic processes, thus delaying appropriate treatment. Timely evaluation and advanced diagnostic imaging may offer the opportunity to initiate definitive treatment. This report describes a young gelding with mandibular SCC that was evaluated for mandibular swelling failing to respond to symptomatic therapy.
Predator‐prey migration phenologies remain synchronised in a warming catchment
Authors: Sergeant Christopher J. , Armstrong Jonathan B. , Ward Eric J.
Published: December 2014

Animal migrations often evolve to exploit seasonal variation in foraging opportunities. Many migrants move among discrete habitats using environmental cues to time their arrivals with seasonal peaks in food abundance. This type of migratory behaviour has been hypothesized to be particularly vulnerable to climate change, which can generate asynchrony between the seasonal timing (phenology) of animal movements and periods of resource abundance in destination habitats.

While many studies have documented climate‐induced mismatches between migrants and the lower trophic levels they target, virtually none have explored the consequences of altered migration phenology on the higher trophic levels that migrants often subsidise. We explored the roles of climatic variation and prey migrations in driving the seasonal migrations of predators.

We show that in a warming catchment where prey migrations have changed substantially over the last 4 decades, migrations of Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma) (predator) remain synchronised with annually variable Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus spp.) (prey) migrations and appear to be cued directly by salmon migration rather than environmental conditions.

In contrast to many previous studies, our results suggest that some wide‐ranging predators may be resilient to altered prey phenology.
Association of the winged helix motif of the TFIIEα subunit of TFIIE with either the TFIIEβ subunit or TFIIB distinguishes its functions in transcription
Authors: Tanaka Aki , Akimoto Yusuke , Kobayashi Satoko , Hisatake Koji , Hanaoka Fumio , Ohkuma Yoshiaki
Published: December 2014

In eukaryotes, the general transcription factor TFIIE consists of two subunits, α and β, and plays essential roles in transcription. Structure–function studies indicate that TFIIE has three‐winged helix (WH) motifs, with one in TFIIEα and two in TFIIEβ. Recent studies suggested that, by binding to the clamp region of RNA polymerase II, TFIIEα‐WH promotes the conformational change that transforms the promoter‐bound inactive preinitiation complex to the active complex. Here, to elucidate its roles in transcription, functional analyses of point‐mutated human TFIIEα‐WH proteins were carried out. In vitro transcription analyses identified two classes of mutants. One class was defective in transcription initiation, and the other was defective in the transition from initiation to elongation. Analyses of the binding of this motif to other general transcription factors showed that the former class was defective in binding to the basic helix‐loop‐helix motif of TFIIEβ and the latter class was defective in binding to the N‐terminal cyclin homology region of TFIIB. Furthermore, TFIIEα‐WH bound to the TFIIH XPB subunit at a third distinct region. Therefore, these results provide further insights into the mechanisms underlying RNA polymerase II activation at the initial stages of transcription.